Friday Morning Brief June 19, 2026

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Anthony Palumbo

This week, Senator Anthony Palumbo joins us to discuss his district, priorities, and some of the work he did in Albany during this year's legislative session. Before being elected to the Senate, he served his community as a Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney, where he prosecuted major crimes and drug traffickers. Currently, he is a Ranking Member on both the Senate Codes and Judiciary committees, as well as serving on the Senate Environmental Conservation, Ethics and Internal Governance, and Mental Health committees.


What district do you represent?
It has been an honor representing the 1st State Senate District since 2021. The District includes the towns of East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Southampton, Southold, and the northern portion of the Town of Brookhaven. Senate District 01 is also home to 15 villages, and Fishers Island. The District is very diverse in its makeup from suburban areas to the west to rural farm and fishing communities and exclusive ocean and waterfront properties to the east.

What are some landmarks located in your district? 
We are fortunate to include within the 1st District's boundaries, notable landmarks such as the historic Montauk Lighthouse, the Southold Town Historic Society with structures showcasing Southold Town being the first Town settled in the State of New York, The Pine Barrens encompassing over 100,000 acres- the largest remaining natural wilderness on Long Island situated over our sole-source aquifer,  some of the highest ranked ocean and bay beaches in the nation and  the federally protected Peconic Estuary.  I am also proud to represent one of the largest agricultural Districts in the State comprised of traditional farms, aquacultural farming, vineyards, breweries and distilleries.   Additionally, the 1st District is home to the SUNY Stony Brook- recently designated a flagship university.

What is your favorite music/bands/artists?
In college I was the lead guitarist in a band and our setlist reflected grunge music from the early 1990’s. Now, I take any opportunity to catch an evening away for any live music.  However, most of the time I am in the car listening to Country Music or Lithium on SXM as I circumnavigate the 1st Senate District and travel to the State Capitol.

What about NY sports team?
I am a former college baseball player and an avid sports fan. I truly enjoy watching all of New York’s teams, but I am a diehard Giants and Yankees fan. Like many New Yorkers, I have enjoyed watching the recent Sabres' and Knicks’ playoff run. Go Knicks!

What are some priorities that you focused on this year?
My legislative priorities always consist of making Long Island more affordable and adopting policies to protect the quality of life for Suffolk County residents. Throughout this year’s Legislative Session, I have worked to protect our environment and the region’s drinking water from harmful chemicals, supported record funding for our school districts, and worked to reduce the state’s astronomical energy rates. As the Ranking Member on the Senate Codes and Judiciary Committees, I am fighting to keep our communities safe by supporting our men and women in law enforcement and putting the rights and needs of crime victims before criminals.  

Any local issues you are working on this year?
I am pleased to report that both houses of the State Legislature, once again, passed legislation to give State recognition to the Montaukett Indian Nation, which was wrongfully stripped from them by New York State in the early 20th century. I am also advancing legislation to support our region’s fishermen and aquaculture industries, make our roadways and communities safer and provide additional health, education and recreational opportunities to communities throughout the 1st Senate District.

Any legislative achievements that you want to share?
The 1st Senate District continues to lead the State in efforts to provide workforce housing and homeownership opportunities for young families. The first bill I passed in the State Legislature was a tax credit for first time homebuyers, and I recently sponsored and helped enact the Peconic Bay Region Community Housing Fund. This program creates a fund to help provide affordable housing for the region's essential workers, first responders, teachers, young families, and seniors. I believe it should be a model program to be emulated throughout the state.

What advice would you give to young folk who want to get more involved in politics?
Do It! Politics and government service are the foundation of our nation and key to the health of our democracy.  It is critical for more New Yorkers, especially the next generation, to get involved with government service to experience how rewarding public service can be. Their efforts or lack of them will determine the future of our communities, the State and Nation that they call home.  

Any last comments?
To meet the multitude of complex challenges facing New York State, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle would be better served by listening more to the views of others, especially those with whom they disagree.  Working to find common ground instead of putting up roadblocks and breaking free from the harmful partisan silos that have consumed Albany and national politics is necessary to find real solutions to the problems plaguing the Empire State. 


Are you a public official or staffer that would like to be featured in our spotlight? If so, reach out to your favorite D&A team member or contact us at team@dickinsonavella.comto set up an interview!

Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul


2026 Legislative Session Officially Concludes


The Justice Department Sue Hochul Administration Over CDPAP Transition 


This week, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Hochul, alleging that the state Health Commissioner, James McDonald, and Medicaid Director, Amir Bassiri, made false statements about the state’s $11 billion CDPAP transition into a single fiscal intermediary. In a statement, the Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate said, “New York’s failure to police a favored vendor that unlawfully siphoned millions of dollars of Medicaid funding is egregious and betrays the public trust.”

Specifically, the Justice Department alleges that the state DOH was already set on selecting PPL as the sole vendor for CDPAP and the official bidding process was a “sham bid process.” However, the state DOH criticized the lawsuit and called it “baseless” and a “latest attempt by Washington Republicans to score political points at the expense of vulnerable New Yorkers.”

Nevertheless, Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Mike Lawler and Vice President JD Vance, criticized Hochul for the handling of the CDPAP transition and the allegations of fraud. In a rally on Long Island on Wednesday, Vance remarked, “Here’s what the state Medicaid director in New York did: [He] facilitated fraud by using a sham bidding process.” In a statement, Lawler said, “This is a damning indictment of the cronyism and incompetence that have defined Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership in Albany.”

The lawsuit comes after almost a year of criticism of the CDPAP transition by CDPAP workers, lawmakers, and patients for a variety of reasons, with some lawmakers criticizing the process for how PPL was approved as the sole fiscal intermediary. Last year, Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera and Senate Investigations Chair James Skoufis held a hearing on the CDPAP transition, which included questions about the decision to select PPL as the sole fiscal intermediary.

Currently, the Justice Department is seeking a court order to freeze any revenue flowing to PPL under the CDPAP transition contract. The state DOH and Hochul said that they will defend themselves in court. “We look forward to the day where these disingenuous attacks can stop, and our partners in Washington can look to New York as a model for how to improve to control costs and root out abuses while preserving and improving quality of care,” a spokesperson from the state DOH said. When asked about the lawsuit on Tuesday, Hochul remarked, “Another day, another lawsuit.”

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the completion of Park Square II in Rochester. The $119 million affordable development is expected to provide up to 240 modern, energy-efficient apartments, including on-site services for individuals and families at risk of homelessness, as well as energy-efficient design features and community amenities intended to promote long-term stability. The development builds upon and supports Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide and complements her Let Them Build Agenda. “The completion of Park Square Community marks a historic investment in affordable housing in Rochester,” said Hochul. 

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On Tuesday, Hochul announced the coming disbursement of over $2 billion to nearly 3 million households through the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program. Specifically, homeowners with an income below $500,000 will receive $300 to $600, while seniors with an income below $110,750 will receive $700 to $1,500. All eligible households will receive their checks throughout the summer and fall. The checks complement the state’s commitment to improve affordability and support Hochul’s affordability agenda. “From tax credits and energy rebates to our expanded child tax credit and middle-class tax cuts, we’re continuing to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets,” said Hochul. 


On Monday, Hochul unveiled the first wave of regulatory reforms under her EXPRESS NY initiative to reduce governmental red tape and remove unnecessary regulations across 22 agencies. In the first wave, 50 actions were taken, developed after months of reviewing assessments and public comments. The reforms under the EXPRESS NY initiative follow Hochul's announcement of her intention to reduce government waste and make state government more accessible to all residents. Under the first wave of reforms, over 1.5 million residents are expected to benefit. “After hearing directly from New Yorkers, we’re cutting red tape, making it easier to build housing and infrastructure, access healthcare, and cut down on burdensome fees and paperwork — delivering a more efficient government for every New Yorker,” explained Hochul. 

Late last week in Buffalo, Hochul touted the state investment in Western New York from the FY2027 Enacted Budget, which includes $70 million in direct aid to the City of Buffalo and a $24 million investment for a Western New York-based hunger-relief organization. Additionally, Hochul touted the broader one-time $1 billion energy rebate program that will provide checks of up to $200 to 8.2 million households, auto insurance reforms to address rising auto premiums, and the approval of her Let Them Build Agenda. “Buffalo is my home, and I promised to always have my neighbors’ backs…With this Budget, I am thrilled to announce a historic $70 million in direct aid to the City of Buffalo…From universal childcare to ratepayer protection to auto insurance reform, we stood up to powerful special interests and got it done,” said Hochul. 

Last week, Hochul joined the NYNJ Host Committee to kick off the 2026 World Cup and highlight several state initiatives to support residents, tourists, and businesses during the Tournament. In addition to several free watch parties across the state, community-based projects, the $6 million NY Kicks Fund, and the enactment of a bill to allow bars and restaurants to operate until 4 AM throughout the World Cup, Hochul also launched the official opening of the NYNJ World Cup 26 Group Stage HQat the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “From increased hours for bars and restaurants to reduced bus fares, we are committed to working with partners across the state to make sure everyone can participate in the festivities in a way that is fun, safe, and accessible throughout the duration of the tournament,” explained Hochul.


To support mobility accessibility, Hochul announced $6 million in awards to five Upstate counties through the state’s Innovative Mobility Initiative. Awarded counties are expected to use the funds to help expand transit options for residents who face barriers using traditional public transportation, including projects to extend service beyond fixed bus routes, improve access in rural communities, and connect riders to jobs, health care, schools, and other essential services. “The funding to these localities is part of our commitment to modernizing our transportation systems across New York to give riders more options and better service, which helps our local communities prosper,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Speaker Heastie Kick Off Annual Statewide Tour

With this year's legislative session concluded, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie started his annual statewide tour last week, starting with a joint announcement with Assemblymember Didi Barrett announcing $1.6 million for outdoor classrooms in the Hudson City School District. “The Assembly Majority is committed to preparing our kids for a bright future and ensuring their schools have the resources to get them there,” said Heastie. Throughout the tour, Heastie will join Assemblymembers throughout the state to tout the local investments that were approved as part of this year’s Enacted Budget. 

Lawsuit Led by Disability Advocates Challenges Medical Aid in Dying Act

Last week, 10 individuals filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the Medical Aid in Dying Act, alleging that the law unlawfully discriminates against people with disabilities by creating a separate legal process for patients deemed terminally ill. Additionally, the plaintiffs argue that the law does not have sufficient safeguards against coercion, depression, and inadequate care for people with disabilities. As a result, the plaintiffs are seeking an emergency court order to prevent the law from taking effect on August 5th. However, the state DOH explained that the Medical Aid in Dying “reflects years of thoughtful planning and consideration, and the Department is committed to implementing the law thoughtfully and responsibly.” 

NYC Releases Draft Plan to Meet Classroom Size Reduction Mandate

After NYC was granted an extension on its commitment to meet the Legislature's classroom-size reduction mandate, the NYC Department of Education released a draft plan to meet it. According to the plan, the DOE would commit to using existing school buildings more efficiently, hire additional teachers, support the 63 existing school construction projects, and work with schools to address minor enrollment changes. While some have criticized the draft plan as insufficient, Mamdani touted the plan, saying, “For too long, City Hall treated class size as a problem to postpone rather than a promise to keep. That ends now.” Notably, previous talks in the Legislature about the classroom-size reduction mandate were intertwined with mayoral control, with some lawmakers, including Senate NYC Education Chair John Liu, highlighting the two issues together.  

Senator Cooney Calls for the Use of AI to Improve Healthcare Access & Boost Economies in Upstate

Last week, Senator Jeremy Cooney wrote an op-ed calling for the state to harness the full potential of AI to improve healthcare access and boost local economies in Upstate New York. Specifically, Cooney called to “break down barriers to AI adoption and support the infrastructure that will empower next-generation technologies.” Additionally, Cooney warned that the state “cannot afford to sit on the sidelines, wrap our innovators in unnecessary red tape, or let our policy decisions stop us from building and leading the future of advanced technologies.” Cooney also highlighted his bill, which passed in the Senate, that would establish a pilot program using artificial intelligence-assisted dental screenings to help identify oral health issues earlier, which builds on the University of Rochester’s SMARTeeth app. “The legislation reflects the reality that AI is increasingly helping providers analyze medical imaging, identify problem areas earlier, and improve patient outcomes,” explained Cooney.

Senator Chris Ryan Calls for Increased Nuclear Energy Projects for Clean Energy and Protecting Upstate Communities 

In another op-ed, Senator Chris Ryan urged the state and Legislature to pursue more nuclear energy projects and support nuclear infrastructure. Ryan explained that supporting nuclear energy projects would help ensure that Upstate workers and communities are protected while meeting the state’s clean energy goals. “New York’s clean energy goals are among the most ambitious in the nation. Meeting them will require building massive amounts of renewable generation, expanding energy storage, and modernizing our electric grid…Nuclear energy plays [a] vital role in providing that stability,” wrote Ryan. The op-ed comes as Hochul has been advocating for the state to build nuclear energy infrastructure, following the recent publication of an Advanced Nuclear Policy Options Paper by NYSERDA and the Department of Public Service.

SED Announces Plan to Overhaul Classroom Instruction 

Earlier this week, the State Education Department announced plans to shift the classroom curriculum away from a focus on class time, grades, and testing toward a “competency-based education.” While the details are not finalized or specific yet, some SED officials propose to allow some students to take a seminar or independent study rather than a full-year course, allowing students to be weighed on a transcript based on projects or other proof of competency in a subject instead of the traditional grades and test scores, and making the Regents exam voluntary instead of mandatory. SED officials explained that they are looking to move away from an instruction system that relies on memorizing facts for tests to demonstrate “competency.” 

The announcement comes after SED announced the phasing out of Regents exams to graduate high schools and after Hochul and the Legislature approved changes to the reading and math curriculum. During this year’s Enacted Budget, Hochul and the Legislature approved changes to math instruction curriculum while approving changes to reading instruction curriculum last year. 

ELECTION UPDATES

Early Voting Numbers Hit All Time High in Areas Outside of NYC

With early voting starting and continuing through Sunday, unofficial numbers show record-high turnout in nearly half of the state's counties so far. In the first two days of early voting, 21,000 votes have been cast in Upstate and on Long Island, surpassing the 17,000 votes cast in the 2022 primary and the 11,000 votes cast in the 2024 primary. 

However, in NYC, after the first four days of early voting, more than 62,000 votes have been cast, which is more than 50% lower than the 131,882 cast at this point last year. Additionally, voters in Manhattan and older voters are turning out in disproportionately higher numbers than last year. Currently, turnout is the highest in the Democratic primary for the 13th congressional district, where Mamdani-endorsed Darializa Avila Chevalier is challenging incumbent Adriano Espaillat, and the 12th congressional district, where there is a crowded primary to succeed the outgoing Jerry Nadler. 

All 213 Legislative Seats Up for Reelection 

This year, with all legislative seats up for reelection and with 35 lawmakers from both chambers set to retire or leave either chamber, many observers are noting a series of hotly contested primaries, including between former Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou and Assemblymember Grace Lee for outgoing Senator Brian Kavanagh’s seat and between DSA-endorsed Aber Kawas and Assemblymember Steven Raga for outgoing Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris’ seat. Additionally, there are several closely watched primary challenges against sitting incumbents, including against Senator Jessica Ramos by Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, against Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar by DSA-endorsed David Orkin, and against Senator Jeremy Zellner by Assemblymember Jon Rivera. In total, many observers note that DSA-endorsed and progressive candidates are seeking to defeat sitting incumbents after Mamdani won the NYC mayoral election last year. 

Claire Valdez Criticizes Super PAC Support for Antonio Reynoso

This week, the Democratic primary to succeed the outgoing Nydia Velázquez heated up between Assemblymember Claire Valdez and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Valdez, who is endorsed by Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris, NYC-DSA, and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alleged that Reynoso is receiving funds from AIPAC and possibly from the real estate industry through a recently formed super PAC. However, it was reported that the recently formed super PAC was funded by unions that have endorsed Reynoso, including the American Federation of Teachers.

In response, Reynoso’s campaign released a press statement criticizing Valdez, saying that “In less than four days, the Claire Valdez campaign has been caught lying twice about Antonio Reynoso and his progressive vision for NY-7.” Velázquez, who has endorsed Reynoso, also criticized Valdez and urged her to apologize for the “ridiculous and divisive attacks.”

Adriano Espaillat and Darializa Avila Chevalier Debate 

Earlier this week, Rep. Adriano Espaillat and his challenger, Darializa Avila Chevalier, participated in a debate for Espaillat’s Upper Manhattan and the Bronx-based congressional district. Throughout the debate, Espaillat touted his experience and record serving in Congress and criticized Avila Chevalier for her past tweets and inexperience. However, Avila Chevalier argued that the district needs a change, explaining, “I am someone who has been organizing for over 14 years in our community. And I have to ask: Have things gotten better in our community under our current leadership?”

Five Democratic Candidates Debate for Jerry Nadler's Seat

In another debate last week, five Democratic candidates, including Assemblymembers Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, participated in a debate for the outgoing Jerry Nadler’s Manhattan-based congressional district. This was the second debate of the primary election, following the first on June 4th. Notably, last week’s debate included Nina Schwalbe, a public health expert, who wasn’t invited to the first debate. Issues that were debated were military aid to Israel, AI, cryptocurrency, and super PACs. While current polls have not shown a clear leader, Bores, Lasher, and Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg each led in at least one poll.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli Faces Two Democratic Primary Challengers 

This year, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who has not been challenged in the primary since he assumed office in 2007, will face off against former Kansas state representative Raj Goyle and former nonprofit executive Drew Warshaw in the Democratic primary. DiNapoli has framed himself as the candidate with the most experience and has been successful at serving as a State Comptroller, growing the state pension fund to $295 billion from $140 billion when he first took office. Goyle and Warshaw have framed themselves as progressive alternatives to DiNapoli. However, many observers note that Goyle and Warshaw may split progressive voters' votes, as they have similar platforms.

OTHER UPDATES

NYPD's Largest Union Asks State to Intervene in Contract Negotiations with Mamdani

This week, the Police Benevolent Association, which is the NYPD’s largest union, formally asked the state’s Public Employment Relations Board to intervene in contract negotiations with the Mamdani Administration. The union explained to its members that the current negotiations are at a standstill but blamed the former Mayor Eric Adams Administration for refusing to offer a counterproposal. However, the union also explained that the Mamdani Administration is continuing this tactic of refusing to “put forward a contract proposal or respond to the PBA’s demands.” However, a spokesperson for the Administration called the union’s move “premature,” explaining that there must be at least three sessions before the union can formally request the state's intervention. Currently, the union is requesting that the starting salary for NYPD officers be increased to $74,446 by 2028 and to $102,481 for other officers.

SCOTUS Declines to Hear a Case Challenging the State's Gun Manufacturers Liability Law

On Monday, the US Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging a state law that will hold gun manufacturers liable if their products cause “harm to the public.” The law, which was first enacted in 2021, was quickly sued in a federal court by 14 gun industry member organizations and a trade association but was dismissed in May 2022, which the Circuit Court of Appeals later upheld. In response to SCOTUS declining to hear the case, Senator Pat Fahy, who sponsored the original bill when she was an Assemblymember, called it a “significant victory…across our state and for every family that has been impacted by gun violence.” Hochul also stated in favor of the decision and said, “New York will not allow gun manufacturers to profit from tragedy. If you refuse to take necessary steps to prevent your guns from being used illegally, we will make sure you pay.”

Other Interesting Friday Reads

How Big AI money is shaping the marquee Manhattan congressional primary - Gothamist

Governor Kathy Hochul Pushes for Extended Bar and Restaurant Hours and Alcohol Sale at Off-Site Events for World Cup Watch Parties – The Legislative Gazette

In AD23 race, all three candidates are seeking their first victory — Queens Daily Eagle

EXCLUSIVE: Gianaris endorses Claire Valdez for NY-7 – QNS

'Affordability politics' are dominating NY's gubernatorial race. How are the candidates approaching it? - Newsday

If Democrats Want to Win the House, Their Battle May Start Here - The New York Times

'It's Like Hell': 60 Lawsuits Detail Alleged Medical Neglect at ICE Detention Center | THE CITY — NYC News

Waymo forms new PAC in NY after setbacks at state Capitol - Times Union

2026 legislative session superlative awards - Capital Pressroom

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